BAU: Vanilla cultivation in Sarawak has been identified as a high-value project in line with the state’s aspiration to become a clean food exporter by 2030 under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030).
Deputy Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, said the initiative, led by Vanilla Impact Story Sdn Bhd, complements Sarawak’s agricultural goals beyond its primary crops such as durian, banana and pineapple.
“Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron.
“This new venture has the potential to strengthen the agricultural sector while positioning Sarawak for the export market,” he said during a working visit to a vanilla farm at Kampung Stass here today.
He added that the development of a local vanilla industry would not only reduce import costs but also create opportunities across beauty, fragrance and health product markets.
To support the programme, he assured that the ministry will provide initial development assistance ahead of the planting phase scheduled to begin next year.
Meanwhile, Vanilla Impact Story founder, Alfred Phua, said the company has been working with landowners to expand cultivation across the state.
“So far, four vanilla farms have been established in Sibu, Serian, Kuching and an ecofarm in Stass, Bau, with 300 vanilla plants cultivated as a start,” he said.
The company also offers services covering planting, training and consultation, processing and trading, while incorporating vanilla-based eco-tourism as an added value.
